Alice-Miranda takes a bite out of the Big Apple!

Jacqueline Harvey

Praise for the Alice-Miranda series

Alice-Miranda at School was shortlisted for the 2011 Australian Peace Literature Award. Alice-Miranda has a beguiling ability to enchant those around her and an enthusiasm for helping people in need. This new series, with its sprightly, resilient heroine, who is sweet without being cloying, oers readers a lively blend of humour and intrigue. Kirkus Reviews Alice-Mirandas optimism and determination is infectious. An immediately lovable character that young girls are going to want to be or be with. Deborah Abela, bestselling author of Max Remy Whats the worst thing about reviewing kids books? When you nd a book so enchanting that you want to ignore your own child to keep reading it! A modern story with a touch of the classics about it. Megan Blandford, Kids Book Review blog Full of humour and with very likeable characters, this book sets a benchmark for a fantastic new series. Donella Reed, Read Plus blog

Copyright Jacqueline Harvey 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Alice-Miranda is a powerhouse of positive thinking, a problem solver and a friend to all shes quite simply unstoppable. Maitland Mercury It is a welcome change to read about a small child who changes adults lives . . . even though she never changes, everyone around her does, for the better. Sydneys Child Her generosity of spirit, enthusiasm and ultra well-heeled practicality endear her to the reader. Katharine England, Adelaide Advertiser A great book for ages 6 and up. Kate ODonnell, Magpies Magazine Ever since reading the rst Alice-Miranda book, Ive been dying to read the second book. Finally, here it is, and I love it . . . Now I want the third book. Matilda Murrihy (11 years), Herald Sun Alice-Mirandas energy and love of life permeate every page and draw the reader into a lively, escapist narrative that celebrates friendship and believing the best of people . . . Harvey is a writer condent in her voice, her characters and her story. NSW Association for Gifted and Talented Children website
Copyright Jacqueline Harvey 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Jacqueline Harvey

Copyright Jacqueline Harvey 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

For Ian and Sandy and Linsay

A Random House book Published by Random House Australia Pty Ltd Level 3, 100 Pacic Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060 www.randomhouse.com.au First published by Random House Australia in 2012 Copyright Jacqueline Harvey 2012 The moral right of the author has been asserted. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted by any person or entity, including internet search engines or retailers, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying (except under the statutory exceptions provisions of the Australian Copyright Act 1968), recording, scanning or by any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written permission of Random House Australia. Addresses for companies within the Random House Group can be found at www.randomhouse.com.au/oces. National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication Entry Author: Harvey, Jacqueline Title: Alice-Miranda in New York / Jacqueline Harvey ISBN: 978 1 74275 114 6 (pbk.) Target audience: For primary school age Subjects: Girls Juvenile ction Manhattan (New York, N.Y.) Juvenile ction Dewey number: A823.4 Cover and internal illustrations by J.Yi Cover design by Mathematics www.xy-1.com Internal design by Midland Typesetters, Australia Typeset in 13/18 pt Adobe Garamond by Midland Typesetters, Australia Printed in Australia by Grin Press, an accredited ISO AS/NZS 14001:2004 Environmental Management System printer The paper this book is printed on is certied against the Forest Stewardship Council Standards. Grin Press holds FSC chain of custody certication SGS-COC-005088. FSC promotes environmentally responsible, socially benecial and economically viable management of the worlds forests.

Copyright Jacqueline Harvey 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ugh Kennington-Jones stared at the yellowed piece of paper in his hand. He scanned the extravagant lettering and read aloud: Its not fair to Master Hugh. He should know the truth. The rest of the characters danced on the page. What truth? What does it mean? Hugh murmured. Opposite him, across an acre of desk, sat a silver-haired man. I wish I knew, sir. Ive asked the solicitor in charge of her aairs if there were any personal eects. There may be some clues.
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Hugh Kennington-Jones exhaled deeply. I suppose so, but its unlikely. I imagine its all been dumped by now or sent to the charity shop. There was no family, as far as I understand. Hugh stood up and walked towards the door. The older man rose to his feet and followed. Thank you and I . . . I appreciate your discretion, Hector. Hugh reached out and rmly shook the mans hand. I suppose well just have to wait and see what turns up. Very good, sir. Ill be in touch if theres anything else. The man retreated from the oce and closed the door behind him. Hugh Kennington-Jones held the page in front of him. You always were a strange one, Father. And now this. He carefully folded the letter, strode back to his desk and placed it at the very back of the top drawer, which he locked. There it would stay, for now.

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ts not fair! I dont know why you have to go, Jacinta grouched. Weve only been back at school for a month. The fair-haired girl and schools former second best tantrum thrower sat cross-legged on the end of Alice-Mirandas bed, watching as AliceMiranda packed. The tiny child smiled. Please dont be cross, Jacinta. Its a wonderful opportunity. Miss Grimm said I should make the most of it and I know Mummy and Daddy are terribly excited. Besides,
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I told you ages ago. Its just come forward a couple of weeks, thats all. You said you were only going for two weeks and now its much longer, Jacinta griped. Alice-Miranda folded a pair of jeans and placed them neatly at the bottom of her suitcase. Millie rolled over on her bed beside them and propped her elbows under her chin. Whos going to ride over and visit Miss Hephzibah with me now? Dont look at me, said Jacinta, curling her lip. You know I hate horses and I certainly wont be going near that pony of yours, Alice-Miranda. Hes a nasty little beast. Alice-Miranda grinned. Bonaparte just has a mind of his own, thats all. And its only for a month or so. Not even the whole term. But thats forever, Jacinta sighed. Im sure Susannah will go riding with you, Millie, Alice-Miranda assured her friend. And really Jacinta, Ill be back before youve had time to miss me. I wish we could come. Im sure therell be loads of movie stars and celebrities at the opening party. Jacinta sprang from the bed and sauntered across the oor, as if she was walking a red carpet.
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Millie looked at her and laughed, then jumped up and pretended that she was taking Jacintas photograph. Jacinta, over here, this way, look at me, Millie ordered like a mini paparazza. Gorgeous, amazing, youre a star! Jacinta smiled and struck a pose with her hand on her hip. I wish you could both come too, Alice-Miranda said. Hey. Jacintas smile turned to a frown as a thought suddenly struck her. My mother had better not be invited. Its just the sort of thing she loves a fancy department store being re-launched. Oh, ugly, ugly, Jacinta, whats with the face? Millie grimaced. Those pictures are not going anywhere near the cover of Gloss and Goss. Alice-Miranda giggled. As if Id ever want to be on the cover of that rubbish. Jacinta rolled her eyes. That would mean I was turning into my mother. She launched herself o the make-believe red carpet and onto Millies bed. I thought you and your mother were getting on much better, Alice-Miranda commented. Hasnt she rented a cottage in the village so she can spend some time with you on the weekends?
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Yes, but Ive only seen her once, Jacinta said. And I havent been near the cottage because shes having it repainted. I dont know why shes bothering. Its not as though shes going to come and live here permanently. At least its a start, Alice-Miranda smiled. There was a sharp knock at the door. Hello girls. Mrs Howards voice drifted ahead of her into the room. Whatever are you doing there, young lady? she said with a glance at Alice-Mirandas open suitcase. I thought Id get a head start, the girl answered. But youre not o until the weekend are you? Mrs Howard enquired. Ive set aside a couple of hours to do all that for you. I dont expect you to pack my bags, Mrs Howard. That wouldnt be fair at all, Alice-Miranda frowned. Goodness, you dont know where I can get some more just like this one, do you girls? Mrs Howards eyes wrinkled as her lips turned upwards. Oh, you wouldnt want that, Howie, Jacinta replied. If we were all like Alice-Miranda youd be completely bored and have nothing to complain about.
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Jacinta! Millie rebuked. Howie doesnt complain about us, do you? Millie looked up at the housemistress, who rolled her eyes and changed the subject. I know someone whos going to miss this little one very much. The sturdy woman strode over and pulled a pink cardigan from the tall chest of drawers, folded it with military precision and placed it into the suitcase. Oh, Mrs Howard, of course Im going to miss you too. Alice-Miranda wrapped her arms around the old woman and rested her head against her tummy. And whats all that for? Howie enveloped the child in return. Just because, Alice-Miranda replied. A plump tear formed in the corner of the housemistresss eye. She tried to blink it away but it fell heavily onto the top of Alice-Mirandas head. Mrs Howard, youre not crying are you? Alice-Miranda stepped back and looked up. The older woman snatched a handkerchief from her apron pocket, wiped her eyes and blew her nose noisily. Oh, goodness no. Hayfever, my dear. I think
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I need to give this house a good going over. Must be a layer of dust in here. Mrs Howard glanced around; the room was spotless, its surfaces gleaming. But you cleaned our room yesterday, Millie said. I must have missed a spot. Mrs Howard blew her nose again. We dont want Alice-Miranda to go either, said Jacinta with a pout. Its going to be so dull without her. And no one to talk to at bedtime, Millie frowned. Well, I have a surprise for both of you. AliceMirandas voice zzed. A surprise? Jacinta bounced up and down on the bed. Youre not really going and this is all just a big joke? No, even better, we are coming with you! Millie exclaimed. Well, neither, Im afraid. Alice-Miranda bit her lip. But I asked Miss Grimm if you could share a room while Im gone and she said yes. Oh. Jacinta stopped her bouncing. Is that all? Jacinta Headlington-Bear where are your manners? Howie gave her a frosty stare. You know
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Miss Grimm is not one for moving girls willy-nilly so I think you might be a little more grateful. I didnt mean it like that, Jacinta protested. Thanks, Alice-Miranda. You know Jacinta and I have been getting on just ne since you arrived. Millie turned her attention to the older girl. But youd better be tidy, Headlington-Bear. I like living with Miss Nothing Out of Place here, she said, nodding towards Alice-Miranda, and I dont fancy having to dodge your dirty undies all over the oor. I dont leave my underwear on the oor, Jacinta snapped. Mrs Howard gave Jacinta a meaningful look. Oh, really, young lady? Is that so? Well, I dont do it on purpose. And I didnt mean to sound ungrateful, Alice-Miranda. Thanks. You really do think of everything. Jacinta leapt up and hugged her friend. Just promise me that youll be kind to each other, Alice-Miranda grinned. Mrs Howard folded her arms. Oh dear, that will be the day. No it wont, Howie. You wait and see. Well be perfect friends, Jacinta insisted.
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Im looking forward to seeing that. Howie pulled a dusting cloth from her apron and ran it quickly along the top of one of the chests of drawers opposite Alice-Mirandas bed and then marched out the door. Come on then, Jacinta. I want to look at how much junk youre planning to move in here, said Millie as she walked towards the door. I dont have any junk, thank you very much, the blonde-haired girl retorted. And why do I have to move in here? Why cant you come to my room? Alice-Miranda chuckled at her friends. Jacinta followed Millie out the door, the pair of them trading questions all the way.

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Copyright Jacqueline Harvey 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.